The Wisconsin Department of Tourism is hoping to boost an industry hit hard by flooding.
The draining of Lake Delton , closed roads , and other damage to attractions have raised concerns that Wisconsin's $13 billion tourism industry could take a hit this summer. Tourism Secretary Kelli Trumble says the state is hoping to soften that blow and the industry is optimistic that people will still flock to the area this summer.
To help spread the word, the state is making $250,000 in grant money available to non-profit groups that help promote summer tourism. The grants will be available to areas that have received federal disaster declarations Trumble says they want to show travelers that Wisconsin is still open for business.
Trumble is also calling on Wisconsinites to help tourism attractions make it through the summer months. She says the best thing people can do is to stick to their vacation plans and return to the places they love in Wisconsin.
While the extent of any financial losses is still unknown, Trumble says the state's tourism industry should remain strong because it has diversified and focused on what Wisconsin has to offer in all four seasons.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:05)
